JEHOVAH has a purpose in everything he does. That purpose he carries to a full consummation. "I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." (Isaiah 46:11) The new creation, being the crowning part of God's work, gives full assurance that his purpose concerning it is marvelous. His beloved, faithful and true Son is the Head of the new creation, possessing inherent life, and is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in earth. The body members are parts of himself; and these, when completed, will number 144, 000, all bearing the name and the nature of the Eternal Father. — Revelation 7: 4; 14:1.

The mere fact that Jehovah has employed so much time and power in the selection and development of the new creation is proof that he has some important functions for that new creation to perform. It is not reasonable that God has occupied nineteen centuries and more in selecting and developing the new creation merely to get some creatures into heaven to there sing his praises for ever. It is true that the new creation will delight to for ever praise the Lord Jehovah; but it is also manifest that God has some important service for the members thereof to render, both while on the earth in course of development and after reaching their home of glory.

During the greater part of the Christian era the people have been led to believe that God has been desperately attempting to get some into heaven, and that he has

agonized with these that they might reach heaven and escape a fate of eternal torture. Even in these latter years, when Christians have learned that the doctrine of eternal torment is as false as its author the Devil, many of the consecrated have looked upon the heavenly calling from a very narrow and selfish point of view. They have hoped to escape the woes and troubles of the world and then to arrive at a safe harbor in heaven; and there, through the endless ages, bask in the sunshine of God's habitation. Little have they thought of the performance of the commission granted to those who are anointed of the Lord.

Only as we come to have a clearer vision of the divine plan do we appreciate the fact that the members of the new creation occupy a most blessed and wonderful relationship to God, and that it is the privilege of such to render service in his name as his ambassadors. As a matter of truth, the members of the new creation while on the earth have much service to perform. They will have much more to do when they reach the heavenly courts. Only those who joyfully serve while on the earth will have the opportunity of serving in the realms of heaven. It is to those who are faithfully and unselfishly devoted to the Lord that are given the exceeding great and precious promises, whereby they may be partakers of the divine nature and receive an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom. — 2 Peter 1:4-11.

The Head

The new creation was foreshadowed by Melchizedek the priest. Concerning the Head of the new creation it is written: "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17) Melchizedek was not a priest of man, but priest of the Most High God. (Genesis 14:18) That priest foreshadowed

the great Executive Officer of the Most High. His name means King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Concerning him it is written: "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually." (Hebrews 7:3) This statement is a peculiar one, but an examination thereof reveals some of its marvelous beauty.

Men who filled the office in the Aaronic priesthood were born into it and made so by the law of succession. That priesthood ended. The Melchizedek priesthood has neither father nor mother. There is no record of the time of the beginning of the Logos. He was the beginning of God's creation, but the time of his creation is not indicated. (Proverbs 8:22-30) Now being the possessor of immortality, his life will never end. Jehovah has given his word and his oath that this priesthood shall abide for ever. This priesthood is the great Executive Officer of Jehovah in carrying out his plan. The members of the body of Christ, and therefore of the new creation, are counted in as parts of the royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) That the members of the new creation while on earth might have some conception of the purpose of this priesthood God caused to be written: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." — Hebrews 3:1.

The beloved Son of God is his Anointed One. At the time of his consecration and baptism at the Jordan he was anointed by the holy spirit of God. (Matthew 3:16, 17; Acts 10: 38) That marked the time of the beginning of the new creation. Anointing means that the one anointed is appointed to and given a position, of trust, authority and power. Jesus Christ was appointed the Prime Minister of Jehovah God, to do the

work which his Father provided for him. He said: "I am come in my Father's name." (John 5: 43) "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6: 38) "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just: because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5: 30) These scriptures show that Jesus when on earth was the Ambassador, Servant, Minister and Priest of Jehovah God.

The work of Christ while on earth was specified in the commission which his Father gave him, to wit: "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn." (Isaiah 61:1, 2) When Jesus began his ministry he read this commission before a congregation of Jews, and then added: "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:16-21) He declared that the Word of God is the truth. (John 17:17) He preached the glad tidings to the people, as he was commissioned. He said: "I must work the works of him that sent me." (John 9: 4) That work included the giving of his life as a sacrifice to provide life for mankind. — Matthew 20: 28; John 10:10.

While on earth Jesus served under the direction and supervision of Jehovah. He devoted his time to testifying of the truth. He magnified the name of God and told the people of the loving provision God had made for their salvation. He gave specific instructions to his disciples and sent them forth to perform a similar work, in his name and in the name of his Father. When about

to finish his work on earth he said: "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me." (John 17: 8) After his resurrection, and before his ascension into heaven, he said to his followers: "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you,"  — John 20:21.

The Members

There are many millions of so-called Christians on the earth. They are no part of the new creation, and none of the precious promises of God apply to them. All real Christians are members of the new creation, and so continue as long as they are faithful and abide in Christ. When one becomes a real Christian, there is laid upon him an obligation to do and perform certain things. His anointing he receives through his Head, Christ Jesus: and Jesus received it from Jehovah. That anointing constitutes his ordination or commission to preach. There is no other rightful ordination. The so-called ordination of ministers by men or bodies of men is a fraud and a snare, and is without any authority from God.

The commission given by Jehovah to Christ Jesus likewise applies to his body members. Amongst other things, that commission says: "The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek." Good tidings or good news is the same message which the angels brought from heaven to earth at the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:9-11) The declaration was there made that God in his due time will have this good news brought to all peoples; and that such good news consists in the fact that Jehovah God had provided a Savior for mankind, and a way for all mankind who will to return unto God and to life.

Such has been the pure gospel throughout the age, from then until now. Any doctrine contrary thereto is untrue and dishonoring to God's name. It has ever been the purpose of Satan to dishonor the name of Jehovah, and this he has done by using the clergy to preach the wicked and dishonoring doctrine of eternal torment. The commission given to the new creation does not authorize any member thereof to beg or even to urge one to become a Christian. The commission is to preach the good news unto the meek. The meek are those who are honestly desirous of knowing the truth and who are willing to be taught. Repeatedly it is written: "He that hath an ear, let him hear."

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and the inspired witness of the Lord, says to his followers: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." (Hebrews 3:1) The priesthood here mentioned is the Melchizedek order, of which all the new creation are members. The members of the new creation, while on earth, are therefore to give attentive regard to the things which Jesus the Head of that priesthood did when he was on earth, and go and do likewise. These are called to be the footstep followers of Jesus, which means to do as he did. — 1 Peter 2: 21.

To the members of the new creation these words are addressed: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (1 Peter 2:9) As Jehovah's ambassadors they must faithfully represent him and show forth his praises, by performing the commission laid upon them. That commission in no way authorizes the members of the new creation to sing the praises of men who are, or who have been, their leaders or teachers. To do so is to dishonor God

and to turn the minds of the people away from Jehovah. Nor are they to seek the plaudits, or even the approval, of men. The true Christian represents and commends Jehovah God, and not himself. On this point the inspired witness of Jehovah writes: "Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? . . . Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing, as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." — 2 Corinthians 3:1, 5.

Again, Satan has deceived many who thought themselves to be Christians by inducing them to believe that God is trying to get them into heaven, and that in order for God to succeed in so doing they must develop what they call "character". This has really been a deceptive delusion, to draw one's mind away from the Lord and the necessity of relying upon him. It has led many a man to believe that he must "develop character" by wearing a pious and sanctimonious face, speaking easy, and daily going through a certain routine of formalities with an air of assumed piety. Such an one comes to believe that he must practise certain sanctimonious ceremonies on Sunday, but that every day of the week aside from Sunday he may indulge in any kind of worldly schemes and practices.

To wear an ecclesiastical coat and a solemn and pious face, to speak with affected accent, and to sit on the platform and fold the arms and assume an attitude of silent prayer to be seen of men, is nowhere recommended in the Word of God. Such is a fruit of ecclesiasticism, springing from a misconception of a Christian's duty. Such a course is a snare and a delusion. It is true that a Christian must be good, kind and considerate, pure in word and thought and conduct, merciful and unselfish; but to meditate upon himself and upon his pious qualities means to turn his mind away from God

and away from the necessity of the merit of Christ Jesus' sacrifice.

The Christian must keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27) He is the representative of God and of God's organization. He must be separate and apart from the Devil's organization, which is the world. (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18) No man can be the faithful representative of God and at the same time sympathize and cooperate with the world. (James 4:4) In the performance of his divinely granted commission he must faithfully represent and declare God's plan, his King and his kingdom.

God foreordained and predestinated the new creation. (Ephesians 1:5) The members thereof must be like the Head. (Rom. 8:29) The word "image" here used means resemblance to or being like the Lord. That does not mean to be like him in physical appearance, but it means a devotion like that which he manifested toward his Father. Jesus said: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." (John 18: 37) Jesus was wholly and absolutely devoted to his Father's cause, and each member of the new creation must likewise be absolutely devoted to God and to his cause. Every Christian knows that he cannot act, speak, or even think perfectly, but he does know that he can be completely devoted to the Lord and refuse to compromise with the Devil; and therein his likeness is that of Jesus, and that is the likeness required.

God's Witness

The work of the new creation while on earth may be summed up in the words: "Witness for Jehovah." That is the same thought carried in the commission

given to the new creation. The provision of the commission is that the new creation must preach the good news as a witness for God; bind up the broken-hearted by telling them God's gracious provision for salvation and blessing; proclaim liberty to the captives and to the prisoners by preaching the message of the kingdom, and by telling those in that condition how God has provided for their liberty; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord by telling the people what is the time for the selection of the church; to declare the day of vengeance of God by telling the people how God will vindicate his holy name in his due time; and to comfort all who mourn by preaching to them the message of consolation set forth in the plan of God, who is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) Such is the work of the new creation while on earth.

Why should God have anyone to be his witness? Throughout the ages Satan has deceived the people and blackened the good name and reputation of Jehovah. God has not prevented this, because of his purpose to let men have a full experience in the effect of evil. He is working out his own plan in his own wise way. It is not his plan to compel anyone to love him, but it is manifestly his plan to hold forth the truth concerning his good name, that not all men will forget his promise of blessing. For this reason he has at all times had some witness on the earth. In the Christian era he has made his new creation his witness.

In this twentieth century mankind in general know not God. The clergy, though claiming to represent God, in truth and in fact represent the Devil, and turn the people away from the true God. Now God has set his King upon his throne, and soon he will completely overthrow Satan's organization and end his wicked rule. Before so doing he declares his purpose to have a special

testimony given to the peoples of the earth. To this end he says to the members of the new creation: 'Ye are my witnesses that I am God.' (Isaiah 43:10, 12) The new creation is God's organization, and members thereof on earth are commissioned to represent Jehovah. To be faithful to him they must obey his commandments, and one of his commandments especially applying to the present time is to be his witnesses. There is no other reason or excuse for a Christian to now be on the earth.

The publication of books and magazines dealing with the divine plan, the preaching of the good news by radio and otherwise, is a means of giving this witness. That such is now the work of the new creation on earth, since the coming of the Lord, is shown by his command: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14) Members of the new creation are the only ones to carry out the commission to give this witness. Anyone who claims to be a Christian and who fails or refuses to participate in obeying this command by testifying to God's kingdom and his King cannot hope to participate in the future glorious work of the new creation.

The new creation is the Servant of the Most High God, and in this Servant Jehovah delights. "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." (Isaiah 42:1) The words servant, minister, and ambassador all mean the same thing. The term "servant" is here used in the singular, because the new creation is one. All members of the body are counted in as a part of Christ Jesus, the Head. (John 17:16-21; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 3: 15; 1 Corinthians 12:13, 14, 18-27) To his

Servant and Representative, including the members yet on earth, Jehovah now also says: "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house,"  — Isaiah 42: 6, 7.

For many centuries the peoples have been made blind by the works of the enemy Satan. Now the eyes of their understanding must be opened; and the Lord chooses to do this by causing his "Servant", the new creation, to give this testimony. Many persons who love the Lord, to some degree at least, are held in the prison houses of the church denominations; and there they sit in darkness. It is God's purpose that a witness should be given to such before he overthrows Satan's empire. This witness must be given between 1918 and the final end, and the new creation must be the ones to give that witness. Therefore to this end and effect God has defined the present work of the new creation. Concerning this he specifically says: "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people." — Isaiah 62:10.

Faithfulness

The clergy have deceived the people by inducing them to believe that all church members go to heaven, even including the babes. A selfish desire for safety, ease and comfort has induced many thus deceived by the preachers to become members of the church denominations. Therefore they deceive themselves into believing that they are Christians. They are not Christians, however. No one will ever be granted a place in the heavenly

kingdom except he has been faithful in the performance of the divinely-given commission. (Isaiah 61:1, 2) It would be impossible for babies to even know about such a commission, therefore impossible for them to be faithful. It is equally impossible for one to be of the heavenly kingdom class who loves and supports the world, which is Satan's organization. For this reason it is written: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) "Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God." — James 4: 4.

No man can be loyal and faithful to God unless he obeys God's commandments. To be loyal means to do what God's Word commands; and to be faithful means to do that which is commanded, and to delight in so doing. Such loyalty and faithfulness are induced only by love. Love for God is an unselfish devotion to him; serving him, not merely because of the hope of a reward, but because it is a joy and a delight to do his holy will. Therefore it is written: "0 love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful." (Psalm 31:23) To such faithful ones God has given his precious promises. Among these promises are: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) Members of the new creation will enjoy life eternally on the highest plane, to wit, immortality.

Future Work

Jehovah has declared his purpose to give the new creation the divine nature. Christ Jesus, the Head of the new creation, was resurrected to the divine nature and exalted to the highest position of power and glory in heaven. His body members will also have the divine nature. (1 Peter 1: 3, 4; 2 Peter 1: 4) Concerning this

it is written: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2) As the members while on earth have been in the image of Christ in the flesh, they shall be made in his likeness in glory. — 1 Corinthians 15: 49.

The new creature goes down into death in a body that is corrupt. That new creature awakens in the resurrection an incorruptible and glorious one. "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection. ... It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. . . . For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." — 1 Corinthians 15: 41, 43, 53, 54.

The sincere heart's desire of each true follower of Christ while on earth has been to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and serve him and behold his beauty. (Psalm 27: 4) God having promised the new creatures life, and they having hope therein, he caused his prophet to express the heart's sentiments of the new creation when in glory, thus: "Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. ... He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him." — Psalm 21: 2, 4, 5.

The members of the new creation shall constitute the heavenly kingdom class, and the number thereof shall be small. (Luke 12:32) Again will the people learn

that the clergy have deceived them, by teaching that billions go to heaven and constitute Christ's heavenly kingdom. The faithful ones will be granted life everlasting on the highest plane, but they are not merely to receive blessings of honor and glory. God has for them a future work in keeping with their honorable and glorious position.

God's new creation is the instrument through which his blessings will be bestowed upon mankind. When Abraham stood upon the mountain of sacrifice with drawn knife to offer his beloved son in obedience to God's command, he there proved his faith in God. Then Jehovah said to him: "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18) That promised "seed" through whom the blessings shall come is Christ, the new creation of God. (Galatians 3: 8, 16, 27-29) Long centuries have been employed to select and develop that "seed", and now that work is about finished; the witnessing work of the new creation on earth is about done. The time for the glorious work of blessing is about to begin.

Those who overcome the world, by faith in the blood of Christ and by an unqualified allegiance and devotion to God, shall be the ones who will constitute the members of the new creation and participate in the future work of blessing the peoples of the earth. Concerning their position of favor, it is written: "Him that over-cometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." — Revelation 3:12.

Concerning their future power and work the testimony is given: "But that which ye have already hold

fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." (Revelation 2:25, 26) "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Revelation 3: 21) For one thousand years members of the new creation shall, together with the glorious Head thereof, serve in the office of priest to God and to Christ, to bring to the people of earth the opportunity for life, liberty, and happiness which God has promised. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." — Revelation 20: 6.

The work of teaching and uplifting and blessing the nations and peoples of earth having ended, the new creation will still be God's executive Servant to carry out his purposes and will be for ever the recipient of his blessings. The Apostle Paul, being granted a mental vision of the coming glories that shall be the portion of the new creation, said: "God . . . hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." — Ephesians 2:4-7.